Get more from your shiny box of joy: Taking Apple TVs to the next level

Apple has released a minor software update for Apple TV 2 on Monday. Version 4.4.1 (build 9A335A) was supposed to fix an issue that required a “small number of Apple TV units” to be connected to iTunes in order to complete the update. There were no new features in this release. Apple later pulled the 4.4.1 update after reports from the Apple TV users that the new update was causing even more issues (bricking the devices) than version 4.4. We will let you know as soon as the new software is out again.

Your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch have been generously updated by Apple with over 200 new features yesterday, and the Cupertino-based company didn’t forget about its “hobby device”. Apple released the Apple TV 4.4 software update, which adds Photo Stream, AirPlay mirroring, NHL live games, Wall Street Journal news, support for subtitles in Netflix, new movie trailers section and some new slideshow themes.

Firecore has just released another update to its Media Player for the 2nd generation Apple TV. Version 0.9.1 includes a number of “long awaited features,” like a support for embedded subtitles, support for ISO (DVD) files and metadata correction for TV Shows.

Brought to you by the developers of Remote HD, AirServer is an advanced AirPlay/AirTunes receiver that lets you seamlessly stream audio, videos, photos, and photo slideshows to your Mac or iOS device. The software has just been updated to version 3.0, which comes with a new built-in video players and enhanced iOS 5 and Lion support. AirServer has now the ability to stream slideshows with visual effects and music intact via AirPlay.

Deep inside the iOS 5 file system 9to5Mac has found an evidence for a next-generation Apple TV being in the works – a reference to ‘Apple TV 3,1’ (current model is listed as 2,1). According to 9to5Mac, the number changing from 2 to 3 should signify a major upgrade. What changes can we expect? Most likely, the device will get a dual-core A5 processor that would open door to true 1080p. In July AppleInsider reported that Apple may be preparing to begin supporting 1080p movies in its iTunes Store later this year. True 1080p would be a nice update for iPhone 4S owners since the device allows to shoot 1080p videos and then stream it to Apple TV via AirPlay. Games mirrored in 1080p, like Real Racing 2 HD, would also be awesome. The current Apple TV’s A4 processor only allows 720p playback.